Advocacy for professional case managers to intervene for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in the outpatient setting to help ease scheduling difficulties, educate patients about treatments, and ensure patient needs are met was discussed in a report published in Professional Case Management.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are rare, progressive, chronic cancers that affect the bone marrow causing the overproduction of specific blood cell components. Although MPNs are incurable, they are manageable with treatment.
In the outpatient setting, professional case managers serve an important role in helping patients to manage their symptomology and equipping them with education and self-care tools needed during ongoing treatment.
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Case managers should stay up to date with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and know which treatments are recommended for the specific type of MPN. Care managers should be familiar with common adverse effects associated with MPN treatments such that they can educate patients about what to expect during their treatment journey.
Symptom burden and adverse effects of treatment often affect quality of life for patients with MPNs. Care manager evaluation of current symptomology at each appointment using the MPN Symptom Assessment Form is important. Reviewing the outcomes of the MPN assessment with the patient and their caregiver provides an opportunity to discuss the patient’s experience and address gaps in care to improve patient outcomes.
In addition to education, care managers should coordinate scheduling of phlebotomy procedures, laboratory appointments, and follow-up appointments to minimize the number of journeys and long wait times patients may experience during treatment.
The report authors advised using a holistic approach to patient care and concluded that case managers have an important role in educating and preparing patients for their treatment journey, streamlining and coordinating patient care, and ensuring the patient needs are met as best as possible.
Reference
Brennan-Cook J, Cadavero A. Professional case management in outpatient settings for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Prof Case Manag. 2022;27(6):271-276. doi:10.1097/NCM.0000000000000584
